The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has confirmed that the new Labour Government would not be fast-tracking proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) across the UK, stating, however, that it would be sticking to the last Government’s delayed October 2027 deadline.
Confusion was caused when circular economy minister Mary Creagh replied to a parliamentary question that “yes”, it would introduce the programme – designed to reduce littering and increase recycling rates, whereby producers and retailers will be held accountable for collecting and managing containers in preparation for reprocessing, with a surcharge applied to products when purchased – ahead of schedule.
Creagh said: “This government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zero-waste economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer; waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net zero; we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs; our economy prospers; and nature thrives.”
But more recently, Defra director for resources and waste management said that it would push ahead with the previous Government’s delayed schedule, promising to fix the “omnishambles” of the DRS scheme under the Conservative Party, which, as well as being delayed by two years, saw the collapse of the scheme in Scotland, as the devolved Government argued with Westminster as to which materials should be included. Bourne said the new environment secretary Steve Reed had committed to a “clear and bold strategy” to meet its net zero targets.
This article first appeared in the September 2024 edition of Fine Food Digest.
